Birding reports are listed in reverse order, most recent first.
27 May, 2008 – The woods are alive with warbler and thrush song
Well folks, it appears that most of the waterbirds, shorebirds and songbirds have made their arrival into Fairbanks and the surrounding areas. It’s hard to believe, but even though most of these birds have just arrived, many are already nesting or are on their way to their breeding grounds on the North Slope.
Large numbers of Sandhill Cranes are still present at Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge, with one particularly red-tinted one frequenting the front ponds. Canada Geese, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail and Northern Shoveler continue to be regular visitors to the front ponds. Least and Pectoral Sandpipers, as well as Long-billed Dowitchers can also been seen foraging along the pond shorelines and in the fields.
Kessel Pond, located on Creamer’s Refuge, was the superstar birding area this past week when it hosted two female Wilson’s Phalaropes, initially found on Wednesday, May 21. Wilson’s Phalaropes are the largest and most terrestrial of the three phalarope species—the other two species being Red and Red-necked Phalaropes. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Wilson’s Phalaropes are uncommon in the interior of Alaska—they breed in shallow wetlands of interior western North America but for most of the year are salt-lake specialists. After the breeding season, virtually all adults undertake a molt migration and stage, often in huge flocks, at hypersaline/alkaline lakes of western North America, before migrating to similar wintering habitats mainly in the altiplano of Bolivia and Argentina. All phalarope species are well known for their reversed sex-role mating system. Larger and more brightly-plumaged females compete for mates sometimes have multiple male partners, whereas males provide all parental care. An interesting note—Wilson’s Phalaropes were last seen in Fairbanks back in 2002 at this same pond. In addition to the Wilson’s Phalaropes, both Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs have been seen here over the past week, in addition to other ‘peeps’ and a variety of duck species.
Many species of warblers are being seen and heard in the area this week, including: Yellow-rumped (Myrtle’s), Orange-crowned, Townsend’s, Blackpoll, Yellow and Wilson’s Warblers. Those loud, yet skulky Northern Waterthrushes are also singing up a storm attracting their mates and defending their territories. Gray-cheeked Thrushes arrived in town this week, adding their song to the beautiful thrush repertoire already being heard around the area. Olive-sided Flycatchers are also being heard in the area this week from near Goldstream Creek along Ballaine Road and behind ABO’s headquarters. If you happen to hear a bird call that sounds a lot like “quick, three beers”, you’ll know an Olive-sided Flycatcher is close by. Western Wood Pewees were also heard calling in their usual spot along Lancaster Drive off of Farmer’s Loop this past weekend. Notable sightings from atop Murphy Dome this past week include: Upland Sandpiper, Whimbrel, Northern Wheatear, American Pipits and Lapland Longspurs. Over the weekend, a Peregrine Falcon was seen and heard calling from a promontory just below the high point of the Loop Trail of the Angel Rocks trail. Harlequin Ducks were seen floating the Chena River this week. Large numbers of Ring-necked Ducks can also be found in the area, particularly in ponds along the Steese Highway, in the Chatinika Valley.
Airport Ponds/Float Plane Ponds: Waterfowl sightings from the front airport ponds include: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler and Northern Pintail. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls and nesting Red-necked Grebes are also here. Shorebirds include Lesser Yellowlegs, Long-billed Dowitchers and Semipalmated Sandpiper. A Yellow Warbler was heard singing. In the areas to the east and south of the airport, both Lesser and Greater Scaup, Common Goldeneye, and Bufflehead were seen. Savannah Sparrow, Redpoll and Orange-crowned Warblers were both seen and heard over the weekend here.
The float plane ponds were rather quiet this week, with a few shorebirds using the shoreline. The most common shorebird seen this week was territorial Semipalmated Plovers, along with flocks of Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers. Savannah Sparrows are singing constantly. Large rafts of Scaup are still being seen on the ponds, in addition to American Wigeon and Mallards. Notable sightings include: one male Redhead, 7 Red-necked Phalaropes, and 2 Surf Scoters and 2 White-winged Scoters mixed in with dabbling and diving ducks.
Tanana Lakes: Many bird species have been sighted here over the past week. Mew and Herring Gulls as well as Common Ravens can be seen using the lakes and the landfill area. The Bald Eagle pair is still in the area, commonly seen soaring above the Tanana River. Northern Harriers and Black-billed Magpies are regularly seen at the entrance to the lakes. Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Northern Pintail and Shoveler, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Long-tailed Ducks abd Surf Scoters were seen using the ponds on both the Cushman and Lathrop sides. Red-necked and Horned Grebes and Arctic Terns were also present over the weekend. Shorebirds are still making a strong showing here. Notable sightings include: 2 Black-bellied Plovers, the first-reported Hudsonian Godwit of the year, and copulating Semipalmated Sandpipers. The lone White-rumped Sandpiper was re-found at the lakes on the Lathrop Street side of the lakes. The bird was hanging out in the mud flats underneath the big gravel pile with a flock of Semipalmated Sandpipers and Pectoral Sandpipers. There were also 2 Killdeer out in the mud with them. There was also another Killdeer on the Cushman Street side of the lakes. Bank Swallows, as well as Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows and multiple warbler species can be seen and heard here regularly.
Peat Ponds: The usual suspects of songbirds and waterfowl have been seen here this past week. Notable sightings include: Spotted Sandpipers, Long-billed Dowitchers and an increasing number of both male and female Red-winged Blackbirds—one spot in the interior to regularly see this species.
Smith Lake: Notable sightings from this past week include a raft of Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Lesser Scaup, and Bonaparte’s Gulls. Bohemian Waxwings, Rusty Blackbirds, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers and an uncommon Golden-crowned Sparrow were seen here last week. Other songbirds heard in the area include: Orange-crowned Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Lincoln’s Sparrows.
Down the ‘Rich: Eielson Air force Base this past week reports a Common Loon and Arctic Terns on May 22. There was one male Black Scoter on Chena Lake near the east boat launch on Monday, May 26. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Black Scoter is among the most vocal of waterfowl. Groups of Black Scoters often can be located by the constant mellow, plaintive whistling sound of the males. A Boreal Owl is continuing to use a nest box in North Pole.
Notable sightings from the Denali Highway over the weekend include: many species of both dabbling and diving ducks—including both Common and Red-breasted Mergansers, Harlequin, and Long-tailed Ducks, and Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye. Common Loon and Trumpeter Swans were also reported. Denali Highway specialties, such as Whimbrel, Long-tailed Jaegers, Lapland Longspurs and Arctic Terns were also seen. A visit to the 9 Mile Richardson Highway ponds tallied the following species on Sunday, May 18: Tundra Swan, Greater White-fronted Goose, Mallards, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, 3 Gadwall (2 male, 1 female), Green-winged Teal, 3 Blue-winged Teal (2 male, 1 female), Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, Bufflehead, Scaup species, and the first Long-tailed Ducks of the season. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls, as well as Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs and Arctic Terns were seen. Raptors here included Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier and an Osprey. Tree Swallows were seen flitting about. Over the weekend, 3 Black-bellied Plovers were spotted here. Lakeview Terrace saw Harlequin Ducks, one Eurasian Wigeon, a Western Sandpiper and a Glaucous-winged Gull on 20 May. Long-tailed Ducks were seen here on Saturday, May 24.
Down the Parks: The Nenana City Public School/High School Wildlife Biology Class reports new sightings from last week, including: Arctic Terns, White Crowned Sparrow, Yellow Warbler, Pine Grosbeaks, Rock Pigeon, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Green-Winged Teals, Greater Scaups, American Wigeon, Red Necked Grebes, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel and Spotted Sandpipers. Previously sighted species include: Common Ravens, Ruffed Grouse, Downy Woodpecker, Mew Gulls, Trumpeter Swans, Mallards, Violet-green Swallows, Bank Swallows, Buffleheads, American Robins, Dark-eyed Juncos and Northern Flicker.
A sad finding was had at ABO’s banding station at Creamer’s Refuge on Monday—vandals took two solar panels that the observatory uses to power lights for the banding station over the weekend. In addition to taking the solar panels, the vandals bent over a large metal pole housing the panels and also took solar panels from a brand-new weather station. The police have been notified and the serial numbers of all parts stolen were reported. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call ABO! Your identity will remain anonymous.
20 May, 2008 – The shorebirds are starting to trickle in…
This year’s bird migration seems to be somewhat askew—usually the waterfowl and swans are the first to arrive, followed by a wave of shorebirds and songbirds. This year, it’s possible to see many of these species all at once here in the interior; many species will be leaving shortly for their breeding grounds on the North Slope.
The numbers of Sandhill Cranes has increased over the past week at Creamer’s Field, with Canada Geese and a lone Greater White-fronted Goose seen on Saturday, May 17. American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal and Lesser Scaup are still regular visitors to the front ponds. An uncommon Eurasian Wigeon drake was spotted here on Wednesday, May 14 and another was seen on the Chena River as well. Common and widespread in the Old World, the Eurasian Wigeon is a sporadic visitor to North America. They are regular in very small numbers along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and single individuals have turned up in nearly all states and provinces. Male Eurasian Wigeon differ from American Wigeon by having a dark red head rather than a gray head with a green patch. Both species of Wigeon possess the white crown patch on the forehead, often called a baldpate.
The seasonal pond on the way to ABO’s banding station has been a flurry of activity this past week. Notable sightings include: a pair of Blue-winged Teal, Horned Grebe, Northern Shoveler and Bufflehead. The Solitary Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and Rusty Blackbirds have all been active near the pond, and if you’re lucky, you might spot the beaver and short-tailed weasels that have been using the area lately. American Golden Plovers, Northern Harriers and Lapland Longspurs have also been seen using the fields near the banding station recently, taking advantage of the recently burned fields. An immature Northern Goshawk has also been regularly on the refuge this past week. Another notable sighting was a Short-eared Owl near the Crane Pond hunting a vole, that was chased off by a Northern Goshawk—probably the same one that’s been seen at the refuge. Kessel Pond, located on Creamer’s Refuge, has had many species of ducks and a few Red-necked Phalarope. Both Lesser and Greater Yellowlegs have been seen here over the past week—told apart by differences in body size and call.
The Great-horned Owl nest behind ABO’s headquarters at the Wedgewood Complex is still active; one owlet was seen near the nest on May 17 while the parents were close by. Flocks of redpolls are still being seen in the area, while Black-capped and Boreal Chickadees and woodpeckers are paired up and nesting. Golden-crowned Sparrows have been seen regularly in the area this spring. Both Bank and Cliff Swallows arrived this past weekend, and different species of warblers are being heard, including: Yellow-rumped, Orange-crowned, Townsend’s, Blackpoll, Yellow and Wilson’s. Northern Waterthrushes are also singing up a storm, usually near water bodies. The beautiful songs of both Hermit and Swainson’s Thrush are being heard in the area, and we’re still awaiting the arrival of Grey-cheeked Thrushes. Another notable sighting this past week was a flock of seven Long-tailed Jaegers seen flying over Murphy Dome on May 19.
Airport Ponds/Float Plane Ponds: The front airport ponds are now completely free of ice. Wood frogs have been heard calling here over the weekend. Waterfowl sightings include: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Canvasback, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Common Goldeneye and Northern Shoveler and Pintail. Mew Gulls and Red-necked Grebes are also here. Large numbers of Long-billed Dowitchers were using the ponds over the weekend. Songbirds include: Violet-green and Tree Swallows, American Robin, Savannah and Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows, and Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers. The ponds behind the airport are almost free of ice. A flock of 20+ Snow Geese was seen flying south from here on Wednesday, May 14. Over the weekend, large rafts of Canvasback, and both Red-necked and Horned Grebes were seen in the large gravel pit pond. Both Surf and White-winged Scoters were mixed in with them. Songbirds seen and heard singing in this area include: Orange-crowned, Wilson’s and Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, as well as Fox, Savannah, American Tree and White-crowned Sparrow and Dark-eyed Junco. The float plane ponds are also free of ice this week. Notable shorebird sightings include: Whimbrel and Spotted Sandpiper, as well as Semipalmated and American Golden Plover. Semipalmated, Lesser and Pectoral Sandpipers were also seen this week, in addition to large rafts of both diving and dabbling ducks.
Peat Ponds: These ponds, located at the intersection of Sheep Creek and Murphy Dome Roads, have been quite active this past week. Even though there’s still a bit of ice left on some of the ponds, it hasn’t deterred the waterfowl and shorebirds from frequenting them. A Tundra Swan was here among the many species of waterfowl including: Mallard, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler and Pintail, Green-winged Teal, Bufflehead, Ring-necked Duck, Lesser Scaup, Horned Grebe, and an uncommon Gadwall. Shorebirds included: Long-billed Dowitchers, Lesser Yellowlegs, and peeps. A lone male Red-winged Blackbird and several Rusty Blackbirds have been sighted here. Displaying Belted Kingfishers have been seen and heard this past week. A Peregrine Falcon was seen on Friday, May 16.
Smith Lake: The ice is now completely gone from the lake. Notable sightings from this past week include a large raft of Ring-necked Ducks, Buffleheads, Red-necked and Horned Grebe, Surf Scoters, and Bonaparte’s Gulls. A Pacific Loon was here on Monday, May 19. Large flocks of Bohemian Waxwings have been active here and other songbirds seen and heard include: Hermit and Swainson’s Thrush, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Lincoln’s Sparrow and Rusty Blackbirds. In addition, wood frogs were heard over the weekend.
Down the ‘Rich: Notable sightings from Eielson Air force Base this past week include Whimbrel on May 15 and a Ruddy Turnstone on May 14. On May 18, notable sightings from Quartz Lake included: 5 Long-tailed Ducks, 50 Surf Scoters, 15 Canvasbacks and 2 Common Loons. Sightings from Paxson and the Denali Highway include: a Wandering Tattler on Tangle River, as well as Whimbrel, Long-tailed Jaeger, American Golden Plover, Red-necked Phalarope, Lapland Longspurs and nesting Golden Eagles. A visit to the 9 Mile Richardson Highway ponds tallied the following species on Sunday, May 18: Tundra Swan, Greater White-fronted Goose, Mallards, Northern Pintails, American Wigeon, 3 Gadwall (2 male, 1 female), Green-winged Teal, 3 Blue-winged Teal (2 male, 1 female), Ring-necked Ducks, Common Goldeneye, Canvasback, Bufflehead, Scaup species, and the first Long-tailed Ducks of the season. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls, as well as Semipalmated Plover, Semipalmated and Pectoral Sandpipers, Lesser Yellowlegs and Arctic Terns were seen. Raptors here included Bald Eagle, Northern Harrier and an Osprey. Tree Swallows were seen flitting about.
13 May, 2008 – Songs, songs everywhere!
Hang on folks—this will be a long birding report as there are lots of new things to report this week. I’m sure most have noticed loads of birds flitting about and songbirds singing everywhere. A full week of warm temperatures and sunny skies can create some exciting floral and faunal events! Probably the most exciting news for birders and non-birders alike has been the start of greenup this past week; that, in conjunction with the arrival of the season’s first mosquitoes and leafminers means there’s plenty of food for arriving migrant songbirds. Other exciting natural history events include the croaking of wood frogs and the emergence of butterflies including Compton’s Tortoiseshell and Mourning Cloak.
Sandhill cranes can still be seen at Creamer’s Field, as well as Canada Geese, Northern Pintail, Mallard, American Wigeon and a few Green-winged Teal. Wilson’s Snipe are continuing to winnow around the seasonal pond, and the Lesser Yellowlegs and Solitary Sandpipers have been busy calling and mating. A large flock of 20+ Long-billed Dowitchers was spotted in the fields on May 10, and a lone Semi-palmated Plover was spotted at the front ponds on May 9. Pectoral Sandpipers were reported on 11 May and the unmistakable American Golden Plovers arrived here on May 13. Most shorebirds are only at Creamer’s Field for a short time, so be sure to go out and see them before they head to the North Slope to breed. An interesting fact about Pectoral Sandpipers (according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology), breeding males have an inflatable throat sac, which expands and contracts rhythmically during display flights. The accompanying vocalization consists of a series of hollow hoots, and is one of the most unusual sounds heard in summer on the arctic tundra.
The Great-horned Owl nest behind ABO’s headquarters at the Wedgewood Complex is still active; one owlet was seen near the nest on 13 May while the parents were close by. Flocks of Lapland Longspurs, American Pipits and Horned Larks have been seen wheeling about the fields at Creamer’s. The seasonal pond near ABO’s banding station saw a beaver being chased by a Horned Grebe on May 8, other waterfowl include: Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Lesser Scaup and Ring-necked Ducks. Short-tailed Weasels were also seen around the banding station and barn area. The first Common Redpoll fledgling was caught in the mist nets of ABO’s banding station on May 12.
This lovely warm weather of late is bringing new songbird species to the area everyday. An uncommon Golden-crowned Kinglet was heard singing on Yankovich Road and a Swainson’s Thrush was heard singing near ABO’s headquarters on May 7. Hermit Thrushes also made an appearance at ABO’s banding station on May 10. The first Northern Waterthrush was heard in the seasonal wetland on May 11 and caught the following day. Townsend’s and Yellow Warblers are also being heard in the area this week. Fox, Savannah and Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows are also singing up a storm, as are Slate-colored Juncos, American Robins and Varied Thrushes and chickadees and redpolls. A Say’s Phoebe was seen at Creamer’s Field on May 11. Northern Flickers are also making their way into the area, with their loud calls being heard long distances. This week also brought Arctic Terns to the area—these birds travel from their Arctic breeding grounds to their wintering grounds off of Antarctica, covering approximately 25,000 miles and are the farthest yearly journey of any bird. The terns were right on schedule, with their average arrival date to the Fairbanks area being May 10 (according to Drs. Brina Kessel and Dan Gibson of the University of Alaska Museum of the North).
Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: A lone Snow Goose has been seen here over much of the past week. Mew and Herring Gulls, as well as Common Raven and Black-billed Magpies are seen here regularly. Waterfowl being seen here include: Tundra Swans, Canada Geese, Horned Grebes, Bufflehead, American Wigeon, Canvasbacks, Green-winged Teal, Northern Pintail and Mallard. The Bald Eagle is still sitting on the nest near the Tanana River. Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers, American Robins, Slate-colored Juncos and Gambel’s White-crowned and Fox Sparrow are being seen and heard here as well. The most exciting news from this birding spot was the report of a male Tufted Duck on May 9 by Nick Hajdukovich (see story about it in today’s paper).
Airport Ponds: The front ponds are 30-50% open, while the sloughs behind the airport are almost completely free of ice. Wood frogs have been heard calling here. Waterfowl include: Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Redheads, Green-winged Teal, Canvasbacks, Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Green-winged Teal, Mallard, American Wigeon, Northern Pintail and Northern Shovelers. Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls, Red-necked Grebes are also here. Shorebirds include Lesser Yellowlegs, Pectoral and Baird’s Sandpiper and Semi-palmated Plover. Songbirds include Violet-green Swallows, American Robin, Savannah and Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrows, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers and Lapland Longspurs.
Smith Lake: The ice is slowly receding from the lake, but the edges are open. Sightings over the weekend include: a pair of Horned Grebes, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Lesser Yellowlegs and Bonaparte’s Gulls. Songbirds include American Robin, Gambel’s White-crowned Sparrow and Boreal Chickadee.
Down the Parks: A trip to Denali Park over the weekend including Rusty Blackbird, Merlin (near Nenana), Northern Harrier, Sandhill Cranes, Rough-legged Hawk (near Anderson), Mew Gulls, Willow Ptarmigan, Black-billed Magpies, American Tree and Fox Sparrow and Golden Eagle and six Dall Sheep near Moody Bridge. The Nenana City Public School/High School Wildlife Biology Class has been birding for several weeks now. Teacher Chuck Hugny along with RJ Nelson has been keeping a running list for several weeks now. Included in the sightings are Black Capped and Boreal Chickadees, Common Redpolls, Common Ravens, Ruffed Grouse, Black-billed Magpies, Gray Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Canada Geese, Mew Gulls, Trumpeter Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Mallards, Bufflehead, Violet-green and Bank Swallows, American Robins, Slate-colored Juncos, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle, Great-horned and Great Gray Owls.
Down the ‘Rich: A Sharp-tailed Grouse was seen near the Tanana River levees near Milepost 9 of the highway and an American Kestrel was reported on May 8 near North Pole. Recent sightings from Eielson Air force base this week include: Long-billed Dowitchers, Least Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpipers, Semi-palmated Plover, Red-necked Grebe, a Eurasian Wigeon, Redheads, Ring-necked Ducks and two Snow Geese. Raptor sightings include an American Kestrel, an Osprey and a Northern Harrier and Bald Eagle. Large flocks of Lapland Longspurs and American Pipits as well as Violet-green and Tree Swallows, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers and Fox, Savannah, White-crowned and American Tree Sparrows. A recent paddle trip over the weekend on the Clearwater River to Clearwater Lake reports Trumpeter Swans and Sandhill Cranes, Common Mergansers and Red-necked Grebes, as well as Varied Thrush, Fox Sparrow, Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warblers.
6 May, 2008 – Spring has sprung and a ‘wave of migrants’ has arrived in town!
A winter storm on Wednesday, April 30 may have dumped two inches of snow over much of the interior, but it didn’t deter our smallest songbird migrant, the Ruby-crowned Kinglet, from singing and setting up territories in the area. The loud and bubbly song coming from this little songbird is a sure sign that spring has finally arrived. The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is olive in color and has buffy wingbars and a distinct white eyering. The male has a red crown that is usually concealed unless agitated. Kinglets are always in motion, usually high in the canopy, and are constantly flicking their wings. While the Ruby-crowned Kinglet is a very tiny bird, it lays a very large clutch of eggs, usually 8-10 eggs. Although the eggs themselves weigh only 0.65g, an entire clutch can weigh as much as the female herself—about 7.5g or the weight of three pennies! Ruby-crowned Kinglets breed in the boreal forest of Alaska and Canada and winter as far south as southern Mexico.
Geese numbers seem to be on the decline as of late, but both Canada Geese and Greater White-fronted Geese can still be found at Creamer’s Field. The big news at Creamer’s Field has been the arrival of Sandhill Cranes—not in very big numbers like in the fall, but they are starting to touch down and use the fields and ponds. It’s so nice to hear their bugling from miles away. An interesting observation—two Sandhill Cranes were seen hunting frogs at mile 10 Chena Hot Springs Road.
The seasonal pond on the way to ABO’s banding station saw its first Horned Grebe on May 5—it was chasing all other waterfowl in the pond including a pair of Lesser Scaup and American Widgeon. Northern Shovelers made their arrival to the pond this week as well. The first Green-winged Teal of the season was spotted at Eielson Air force Base on May 2. An uncommon waterfowl visitor to the interior, a Gadwall, was seen at the front ponds of the Fairbanks airport on May 4. Bonaparte’s Gulls were seen at Lakeview Terrace on this same date. Shorebirds are starting to make their way into the area. Wilson’s Snipe were heard winnowing and calling along Chena Hot Springs Road on April 21 and April 23 (sorry, I forgot to mention that in prior birding reports!). A Lesser Yellowlegs was heard on Chena Hot Springs Road on May 4 and May 5 brought a flyover Solitary Sandpiper to the UAF Potato Fields and the first Lesser Yellowlegs to Creamer’s Field.
This lovely warm weather of late has produced a wave of songbird migrants starting over the past weekend and is still ongoing. Numerous Varied Thrushes and American Robins were reported beginning 1 May. The first sightings of Horned Lark were also on the date at Eielson Air force Base. Another sighting from Eielson includes the first reports of Yellow-rumped (or Myrtle) Warbler on May 2. A Hammond’s Flycatcher was heard calling on May 3 on Red Fox Road here in town. A Golden-crowned Sparrow was seen at a birdfeeder off Sheep Creek Road on May 4. Monday, May 5 marked the arrival of many new songbird migrants to Creamer’s Field including: White-crowned, Fox and Savannah Sparrow, three Tree Swallows and a flock of five Rusty Blackbirds. Other notable sightings from this day include a Sharp-shinned Hawk and a flyover Golden Eagle seen from the Creamer’s Field farmhouse and barn area. A Peregrine Falcon was reported from Salcha on May 5. A Northern Flicker was seen near the Peat Ponds at the intersection of Sheep Creek and Murphy Dome Roads.
Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: The ice is slowly receding from most of ponds along Cushman Street, not so much on the Lathrop side. Notable sightings include: Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Slate-colored Junco, Mallard, Common Goldeneye and the Bald Eagle pair is still nesting.
Airport Ponds: The edges of the front ponds have open water, while the sloughs behind the airport are about 20% open. An American Kestrel was seen here over the weekend and waterfowl sightings include: Mallard, Common Goldeneye, American Widgeon, and Bufflehead.
Smith Lake: The lake itself is still mostly frozen over, with the edges barely melted; however, the pond along Sheep Creek Road is almost open. Notable sightings in the area include: Slate-colored Junco, Merlin, Northern Pintail and Mew and Bonaparte’s Gulls.
Down the ‘Rich: Recent sightings from Quartz Lake include: Northern Hawk Owl, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, American Tree Sparrow, American Robin and Slate-colored Juncos.
29 April, 2008 – Waterfowl are still dominating ‘the migrant scene’ in Fairbanks!
The winter-like conditions are still continuing here in Fairbanks and are causing many folks to shake their heads in wonder. The balmy temperatures last week gave way to fresh snow and overcast skies over the weekend and seemed to have stalled bird migration by a few days at least.
Waterfowl are still dominating the scene here in town, particularly at Creamer’s Field, and much to the delight of the 5th graders that have been visiting. Trumpeter Swans are still being seen on a regular basis, as are Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese with more arriving every day on open fields, seeking food. The lone Snow Goose and a few Cackling Geese (the smaller bodied forms of Canada Geese) are still present at Creamer’s Field. Herring Gulls have been roosting in great numbers at here as well—800-1000 gulls were reported during the night of April 28th. In addition to the Herring Gulls, a few Mew, Glaucous, and Glaucous-winged Gulls were in the mix. If you happen to be at Creamer’s Field at dawn, it’s quite spectacular to just close your eyes and listen to the gulls—it’s as if you’re at the ocean or a seaside pier. Other waterfowl being seen in the Fairbanks area include: Mallards, Barrow’s and Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, American Widgeon, Northern Pintails, Northern Shovelers, Bufflehead, Scaup species and Canvasbacks.
If you happened to be a Creamer’s Field over the weekend, you may have spotted two different-looking geese. They had almost completely white heads with pink bills, large grayish-brown bodies mottled with white and bright orange feet. At first, there was thought that these birds might be variants of the blue phase of Snow Goose; however, after looking at photos taken of these birds, many think these were hybrid birds—probably a cross between Snow and Greater White-fronted Goose. According to the Birds of North America (a resource of Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the American Ornithologists’ Union), Snow Geese have been known to hybridize with Ross’s, Canada and Greater White-fronted Geese. We’re lucky to have had them here in Fairbanks as they had many birders talking!
Other migrants into the area include a few Sandhill Cranes seen on Thursday April 24th near the Chena River near the airport and the University. No other crane sightings have been reported as of Tuesday, April 29th. An Osprey was reported on April 28th near the SE corner of the airport. Songbird migrants into the area include Slate-colored Junco, American Tree Sparrow and a few American Robins.
Cushman Ponds/Tanana Lakes: While there is not a lot of open water, there were some birds spotted in the area over the weekend. These include: flocks of gulls (probably Herring) flying over the ponds and also above the landfill, the Bald Eagle pair near their nest along the Tanana River, lots of redpolls and Canada Geese. In addition to the resident species of Black-capped Chickadee and Downy Woodpecker, a Slate-colored Junco was heard singing and one lone American Tree Sparrow was seen.
Airport Ponds: Again, not a lot of open water here, but the open water in the ditches yielded a Mallard pair.
Smith Lake: The lake is still completely frozen over…no birds were seen here over the weekend here.
Down the ‘Rich: Trips to Delta this weekend produced many of the normal suspects as well as a few migrants. A Sharp-tailed and Spruce Grouse were seen in the area, as was a Northern Harrier, Northern Hawk Owl and a few Rough-legged and Red-tailed (Harlan’s) Hawks. Clearwater Lake and environs had Tundra and Trumpeter Swans, Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, Northern Shoveler, Northern Pintail, Mallard and Common Merganser. Both Greater White-fronted and Canada Geese were present, as were Slate-colored Juncos and an American Tree Sparrow. A Great Gray Owl was spotted at MP 285 of the Richardson Highway on Saturday, April 26.
22 April, 2008 – Waterfowl have arrived into Fairbanks!!
Well, what a difference a week can make! Last week we had 10 inches of new snow and it felt like winter was hanging on as long as possible, and this week temperatures soared into the high 50’s (F) with lows overnight just below freezing. These warm, spring-like temperatures in combination with greater than 16 hours of daylight make for great migration conditions (as well as a fast spring break-up). And the birds have responded…
The big story has been the arrival of waterfowl, with mostly Canada Geese into the area. As of Tuesday, April 22 there were 600+ Canada Geese, as well as 3 Greater White-fronted and a lone Snow Goose at Creamer’s Field. Trumpeter Swans are starting to migrate into the area, as are gulls. The first Herring Gulls were spotted flying along the Chena River near Pioneer Park on April 15, with large flocks seen roosting along the Chena, the gravel pits along Lathrop and 23rd, and also at Creamer’s Field. A Glaucous Gull, a not-so common visitor to the interior, was seen among a flock of 100 Herring Gulls here on April 20. Other waterfowl being seen in the Fairbanks area include: Mallards, Common Goldeneye, Common Mergansers, American Widgeon, Northern Pintails and Canvasbacks.
An American Kestrel was seen along Chena Hot Springs Road on 20 April. The dark phased Red-tailed (Harlan’s Hawk) is still being seen along Sheep Creek and Goldhill Roads. Northern Goshawks are still being seen in the area as well. On the songbird front, the first Northern Flicker of the year was seen along the Gilmore Trail on April 14, while the first Slate-colored Junco was possibly heard on 20 April on the west side of Sheep Creek Road near Sheep Creek Extension. Common Redpolls and large flocks of Snow Buntings are still active in the area—the first day of banding at ABO’s migration station at Creamer’s Field had a productive day of 66 birds—the majority of which were redpolls. These guys are nesting right now—so be on the lookout for breeding behaviors. No other songbird migrants were seen or heard at Creamer’s Field as of Tuesday, April 22 but this will change quickly with the warmer temperatures and the snow melting to expose open water and fields.
Down the ‘Rich: The Tanana River is slowly freeing itself of ice and the birds are taking advantage—12 Common Mergansers and a Bufflehead, as well as a few Bald Eagles were seen over the weekend. Raptors are still making a fine showing in the Delta area. A trip to the area on Sunday, April 20 yielded a Great-Horned and Northern Hawk Owl, a Northern Harrier, and a Bald Eagle. The buteos are still in force here with 19 Red-tailed (Harlan’s) Hawks, 12 Rough-legged Hawks and 33 buteos too far away to get a known species identity. Clearwater Lake on the same day had loads of Canada Geese as well as 12 Greater White-fronted Geese, 20 Trumpeter Swans, 6 Common Mergansers, 6 Common Goldeneye, 2 Northern Pintail and one lone Mew Gull among 50 Herring Gulls. Resident passerine species were also seen in the area, including: Gray Jays, 2 Black-billed Magpies, Boreal Chickadees, and Common Redpolls.
Down the Parks: The town of Cantwell had a flock of 20 Snow Buntings, while Denali National Park and Preserve yielded 5 Snow Buntings and a Gray Jay on Sunday 13 April. The big news from this area was a Gray-crowned Rosy Finch that visited a birdfeeder in Healy on April 16.
Birding report-14 April, 2008
The calendar says that spring officially started on 20 March 2008, but you would hardly know it judging by the weather of late. The latest snowfall on 14 April has definitely slowed spring migration down a bit. However, don’t give up hope, as some migrants have arrived here in town. The first harbingers of spring (for me at least) are the lovely, black and white Snow Buntings, usually found in flocks feeding on seeds in fields and wheeling about when a person or predator approaches. The first flock of Snow Buntings was reported on 22 March at 10-mile Chena Hot Springs road, with more sightings at the University of Fairbanks, the Botanical Gardens, near the airport, at Creamer’s Field and along the Elliot Highway throughout March and through today.
Raptors are also making a showing. The first Sharp-shinned Hawk of the season was reported on 25 March about one mile from Curry’s Corner. Sightings of Bald Eagle here in town started on 25 March, with a nest being reported at the confluence of the Chena and Tanana Rivers near the airport. A Golden Eagle was seen from Cripple Creek road on 27 March. The Buteos have arrived as well-the first Rough-legged Hawk of the season was seen at the Chena Flood Control Project area south of North Pole on 28 March, while the first Red-tailed (very dark Harlan’s) Hawk was seen sitting atop a light post on Sheep Creek Road on 11 April. This same bird was seen again on 12 April in the vicinity carrying nesting material. The nest site was found on 14 April. A Peregrine Falcon was seen carrying a Rock Pigeon in downtown Fairbanks on 4 April. Be on the lookout for more falcon species to arrive shortly. Sightings of our resident raptors species, such as Northern Goshawk, and the Northern Hawk, Great-horned and Boreal Owl are ramping up. There was even a sighting of a lone Snowy Owl on 10 March near Cleary Summit.
Waterfowl are slowly trickling into the area, and who can blame them when there’s hardly any open water? A Goldeneye species was seen on 30 March, along with ~300 Mallards on the Chena. A swan, probably a Trumpeter, was reported from Minto Lake on 8 April. On 14 April, 3 Trumpeter Swans flew over Creamer’s Field during the spring snow storm. Two Trumpeters were also reported at Tetlin Lake, along the Alaska Highway. The first Canada Geese of the season were seen at Creamer’s Field on Sunday 13 April-4 were seen in the afternoon. The count was up to 5 by 14 April and will continue to grow as the snow melts and the water opens up.
Northern Shrikes are starting to appear in greater numbers as spring approaches-this species can nest early, so be on the lookout for any breeding behaviors. An over-wintering Townsend’s Solitaire was reported at a bird feeder on Lancaster Drive and a possible over-wintering American Robin was reported from the Wedgewood Resort on 27 March. These are pretty incredible sightings considering those few stretches of -40F days we had in February, especially for fruit-eating thrushes. Red-breasted Nuthatches have been seen and heard around Fairbanks as have flocks of Bohemian Waxwings. Common Redpolls and the resident woodpeckers are still around in full force-take advantage of seeing these guys now, for when breeding season starts (or could have begun by now!) they’ll be more secretive.
